Derek Eland is a multi media artist whose work is primarily focused on engaging with people about what it is like to ‘be human’ in stressful and difficult situations.
He is interested in the use of the written word, particularly in a digital age, to access real emotions and thoughts. Much of his work is created on location, particularly through the use of ‘Diary Rooms’, and then re-contextualised in a gallery setting.
In 2011 he worked as an official war artist embedded with the British Army in Helmand, Afghanistan. The work which resulted from the time he spent on the front line has been described in the international press as ‘groundbreaking’ and is touring a number of UK galleries as a solo exhibition starting at in October 2011.
Derek Eland has a Degree in Politics, a Masters Degree in Contemporary Fine Art and a background in culture change. In 2007 his work was short-listed for the International Celeste Art prize.
Derek Eland is kindly sponsored by Leica Cameras.